OK - I thought I was all set - new Lowrider board, list of tricks to try, etc... Went out riding in REALLY rough water - couldn't wait for butter. Took such a pounding on the water - my knees are still bothering me almost 2 weeks later! My questions 1) anybody else have this problem and 2) is the Lowrider less forgiving than the older "plastic Hydorslide" type boards. I've boarded for years with those without any pain. Lesson learned - I will only go out when it's smooth - if my knees ever recover!

We just got a Lowrider after riding an Airageous for years. I think the Lowrider actually lands better than my older heavier boards. The problem I found with it, is that unlike the other boards, it just wants to leap out of the water with any kind of wave. So in rough water I think you get banged up harder than with older heavier boards.

My bro won't go out anymore on the rough water because he's actually having ankle problems. ( He's better than I, High jumps, layouts, flips etc. ) I don't know if he's getting that much more air with the Lowrider than the Airageous or we're just getting older. I think we're going to try the slalom buoy between the legs to try and soften the landings.

Trevor is right, the Lowrider is less forgiving in rough water because it wants to launch. As far as knee problems go, it's not very common. Foot and back problems are usually the big ones. Give the slalom bouy a try. Your knees will flex less with it.

Keith, your assumption is correct. You can also use a partially inflated football, but you can't tie it to the board very well.

For the bouy, get a bungee cord about three feet long. Cut off one end and remove both hooks. Now slide the bouy on the bungee. The remaining metal crimp on the uncut end should keep the bouy from falling off. Now tie the cut end to the middle of your strap and you're good to go.

First of all, thanks for the recommendation to my bros on the lowrider. Outside of giving me 9 staples, it's been a great board so far ;).

First question: How do you EASILY get the bouy under you with a deep water start? I tried starting with it hanging out the back but it tugged me all over the place while I was getting up. Does the bungee go between your legs or around you? I got on it eventually, but I'm looking for something quicker.

Second question. I noticed that the lowrider actually hurts my ankles more that my old airageous boards. After looking at the pad, the airageous offers more ankle support by letting the toes drop off more. I'm about to add about 1" of neoprene to my lowrider just above the ankles to lift the ankles and keep them from hyperextending so much. See any problems with that?

Tried my ankle pad. Worked like a charm. I'm going to continue to try that for a while without the bouy and see if it's a long term fix. Although the bouy will save my back too so I may end up doing it anyway.

B Dogg, I like the ankle pad idea. That's been a problem that O'Brien should remedy.

I always start out on my knees with deep water starts. I first put the bouy behind me with the bungee between my legs. Then I grab the tip of the board with both hands, push it under the water and get into the riding position. At this point it takes a little balance, but it's not really that hard. Just lean forward at the waist and hold your arms out for balance. Once the pull comes, lean back so the tip comes up, and go. When you get better at the balancing, you can put the bouy under your butt before you take off as well.

The bouy will probably grab the water a few times if you leave it hang, but it won't mess you up as much since you're already on your knees.

OK - my knees have finally recovered and I tried the ball solution - awesome. I guess I have to adjust the pressure though - I was thrown out front twice while jumping. Great solution though - like having a shock absorber for your back.

Try now to sit on your legs;more youre feet.Ive had only one type of pain,wrist after a pounding.Still,its worth it.IOm new and I just landed 7 surface 360's.Just dont sit on your thighs in rough waters.